Housing Specialist (Rapid Rehousing)

Company: Mercy Housing & Shelter
Location: Hartford
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

An Affiliate of Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp. and My Sisters' PlaceCommunity Housing Advocates Job Title: Housing Specialist (Rapid Rehousing)Department: DiversionReports To: Lead Case ManagerFLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time Scheduled Work Times/Locations Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM 117 Main Street, Hartford, CT Job Summary:The Rapid Rehousing Case Manager/Housing Specialist is responsible for the overall function and implementation of the Rapid Rehousing Program, ensuring the highest quality of service within the mission of Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation and creating an atmosphere of empowerment that ensures an integration of the agency's mission into the delivery of service. These responsibilities include meeting the requirements of funders' contracts and ensuring compliance as well as providing necessary documentation and training. The Housing Specialist helps clients maintain affordable housing and carefully tracks progress along the way. Program participants will include both families and individuals within the metropolitan Hartford area.Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide intake/orientation to new clients.
• Provide case management services including assessment, budgeting, employment search, arranging childcare, referrals, linkage to other community supports, advocacy and monitoring of housing plan to reduce housing barriers and increase client integration into the neighborhood.
• Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice by teaching them to find and use on-line and other available resources.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts and educate clients on housing laws as well as client rights and responsibilities.
• Complete all required documentation with accurate and timely entry into HMIS.
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written between tenants, landlords, referral sources, debtors, creditors and other collaborating agencies or individuals.
• Identify, recruit, establish and maintain relationships with responsible landlords, private and non-profit, who will work with eligible clients.
• Perform habitability, lead-based paint, and rent reasonableness activities, including housing inspections as required.
• Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, records and files for each client.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary-Limiting transport to housing related matters.
• Attend CAN meetings in Hartford and Middletown.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned. Required Skills/Abilities:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Five years' experience working with nonprofit, landlords and housing clients.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written with diverse clientele.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow through required, exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.
• Provide client housing readiness assessments. Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, or Human Services field from an accredited university, however equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Five (5) years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to clients required.
• Knowledge of housing resources available in Greater Hartford is preferred.
• Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and reality testing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates strongly encouraged. Licenses and Certifications:Must have valid Connecticut driver's license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance. Staff will be expected to transport clients in their personal car. CHA, My Sisters' Place and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Keywords: Mercy Housing & Shelter, Hartford , Housing Specialist (Rapid Rehousing), Other , Hartford, Connecticut